Light tube and power supply circuit

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a light tube for illumination by a power supply circuit including a bulb portion and a pair of end caps disposed at opposite ends of the bulb portion. A plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed inside the bulb portion and in electrical communication with the pair of end caps for illuminating in response to electrical current to be received from the power supply circuit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/085,744, filed Mar. 21, 2005 and issued as U.S. Pat No. 8,247,985, onAug. 21, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/782,375, filed Feb. 12, 2001 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,049,761 on May 23, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/181,744, filed Feb. 11, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a light tube illuminated by LEDs (lightemitting diodes) which are packaged inside the light tube and powered bya power supply circuit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional fluorescent lighting systems include fluorescent lighttubes and ballasts. Such lighting systems are used in a variety oflocations, such as buildings and transit buses, for a variety oflighting purposes, such as area lighting or backlighting. Althoughconventional fluorescent lighting systems have some advantages overknown lighting options, such as incandescent lighting systems,conventional fluorescent light tubes and ballasts have severalshortcomings. Conventional fluorescent light tubes have a short lifeexpectancy, are prone to fail when subjected to excessive vibration,consume high amounts of power, require a high operating voltage, andinclude several electrical connections which reduce reliability.Conventional ballasts are highly prone to fail when subjected toexcessive vibration. Accordingly, there is a desire to provide a lighttube and power supply circuit which overcome the shortcomings ofconventional fluorescent lighting systems. That is, there is a desire toprovide a light tube and power supply circuit which have a long lifeexpectancy, are resistant to vibration failure, consume low amounts ofpower, operate on a low voltage, and are highly reliable. It would alsobe desirable for such a light tube to mount within a conventionalfluorescent light tube socket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A light tube for illumination by a power supply circuit including a bulbportion and a pair of end caps disposed at opposite ends of the bulbportion. A plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed inside thebulb portion and in electrical communication with the pair of end capsfor illuminating in response to electrical current to be received fromthe power supply circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawingswherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout theseveral views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a line drawing showing a light tube, in perspective view,which in accordance with the present invention is illuminated by LEDspackaged inside the light tube;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the LEDs mounted on a circuit board;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along lines 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view of one embodiment of thepresent invention showing one end of the light tube disconnected fromone end of a light tube socket;

FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram of a first power supply circuitfor supplying power to the light tube;

FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of a switching power supply typecurrent limiter;

FIG. 7 is an electrical block diagram of a second power supply circuitfor supplying power to the light tube;

FIG. 8 is an electrical block diagram of a third power supply circuitfor supplying power to the light tube;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, perspective view of another embodiment of thepresent invention showing one end of the light tube disconnected fromone end of the light tube socket; and

FIG. 10 is an electrical block diagram of a fourth power supply circuitfor supplying power to the light tube.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a line drawing showing a light tube 20 in perspective view. Inaccordance with the present invention, the light tube 20 is illuminatedby LEDs 22 packaged inside the light tube 20. The light tube 20 includesa cylindrically shaped bulb portion 24 having a pair of end caps 26 and28 disposed at opposite ends of the bulb portion. Preferably, the bulbportion 24 is made from a transparent or translucent material such asglass, plastic, or the like. As such, the bulb material may be eitherclear or frosted.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light tube 20has the same dimensions and end caps 26 and 28 (e.g. electrical malebi-pin connectors, type G13) as a conventional fluorescent light tube.As such, the present invention can be mounted in a conventionalfluorescent light tube socket (not shown).

The line drawing of FIG. 1 also reveals the internal components of thelight tube 20. The light tube 20 further includes a circuit board 30with the LEDs 22 mounted thereon. The circuit board 30 and LEDs 22 areenclosed inside the bulb portion 24 and the end caps 26 and 28.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the LEDs 22 mounted on the circuit board30. A group of LEDs 22, as shown in FIG. 2, is commonly referred to as abank or array of LEDs. Within the scope of the present invention, thelight tube 20 may include one or more banks or arrays of LEDs 22 mountedon one or more circuit boards 30. In a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the LEDs 22 emit white light and, thus, are commonlyreferred to in the art as white LEDs. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the LEDs 22 aremounted to one surface 32 of the circuit board 30. In a preferredembodiment of the present invention, the LEDs 22 are arranged to emit orshine white light through only one side of the bulb portion 24, thusdirecting the white light to a predetermined point of use. Thisarrangement reduces light losses due to imperfect reflection in aconvention lighting fixture. In alternative embodiments of the presentinvention, LEDs 22 may also be mounted, in any combination, to the othersurfaces 34, 36, and/or 38 of the circuit board 30.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along lines 3-3. Toprovide structural strength along the length of the light tube 20, thecircuit board 30 is designed with a H-shaped cross-section. To produce apredetermined radiation pattern or dispersion of light from the lighttube 20, each LED 22 is mounted at an angle relative to adjacent LEDsand/or the mounting surface 32. The total radiation pattern of lightfrom the light tube 20 is effected by (1) the mounting angle of the LEDs22 and (2) the radiation pattern of light from each LED. Currently,white LEDs having a viewing range between 6° and 45° are commerciallyavailable.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view of one embodiment of thepresent invention showing one end of the light tube 20 disconnected fromone end of a light tube socket 40. Similar to conventional fluorescentlighting systems and in this embodiment of the present invention, thelight tube socket 40 includes a pair of electrical female connectors 42and the light tube 20 includes a pair of mating electrical maleconnectors 44.

Within the scope of the present invention, the light tube 20 may bepowered by one of four power supply circuits 100, 200, 300, and 400. Afirst power supply circuit includes a power source and a conventionalfluorescent ballast. A second power supply circuit includes a powersource and a rectifier/filter circuit. A third power supply circuitincludes a DC power source and a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) circuit. Afourth power supply circuit powers the light tube 20 inductively.

FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram of a first power supply circuit100 for supplying power to the light tube 20. The first power supplycircuit 100 is particularly adapted to operate within an existing,conventional fluorescent lighting system. As such, the first powersupply circuit 100 includes a conventional fluorescent light tube socket40 having two electrical female connectors 42 disposed at opposite endsof the socket. Accordingly, a light tube 20 particularly adapted for usewith the first power supply circuit 100 includes two end caps 26 and 28,each end cap having the form of an electrical male connector 44 whichmates with a corresponding electrical female connector 42 in the socket40.

The first power supply circuit 100 also includes a power source 46 and aconventional magnetic or electronic fluorescent ballast 48. The powersource 46 supplies power to the conventional fluorescent ballast 48.

The first power supply circuit 100 further includes a rectifier/filtercircuit 50, a PWM circuit 52, and one or more current-limiting circuits54. The rectifier/filter circuit 50, the PWM circuit 52, and the one ormore current-limiting circuits 54 of the first power supply circuit 100are packaged inside one of the two end caps 26 or 28 of the light tube20.

The rectifier/filter circuit 50 receives AC power from the ballast 48and converts the AC power to DC power. The PWM circuit 52 receives theDC power from the rectifier/filter circuit 50 and pulse-width modulatesthe DC power to the one or more current-limiting circuits 54. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the PWM circuit 52receives the DC power from the rectifier/filter circuit 50 andcyclically switches the DC power on and off to the one or morecurrent-limiting circuits 54. The DC power is switched on and off by thePWM circuit 52 at a frequency which causes the white light emitted fromthe LEDs 22 to appear, when viewed with a “naked” human eye, to shinecontinuously. The PWM duty cycle can be adjusted or varied by controlcircuitry (not shown) to maintain the power consumption of the LEDs 22at safe levels.

The DC power is modulated for several reasons. First, the DC power ismodulated to adjust the brightness or intensity of the white lightemitted from the LEDs 22 and, in turn, adjust the brightness orintensity of the white light emitted from the light tube 20. Optionally,the brightness or intensity of the white light emitted from the lighttube 20 may be adjusted by a user. Second, the DC power is modulated toimprove the illumination efficiency of the light tube 20 by capitalizingupon a phenomenon in which short pulses of light at high brightness orintensity to appear brighter than a continuous, lower brightness orintensity of light having the same average power. Third, the DC power ismodulated to regulate the intensity of light emitted from the light tube20 to compensate for supply voltage fluctuations, ambient temperaturechanges, and other such factors which effect the intensity of whitelight emitted by the LEDs 22. Fourth, the DC power is modulated to raisethe variations of the frequency of light above the nominal variation of120 to 100 Hz thereby reducing illumination artifacts caused by lowfrequency light variations, including interactions with video screens.Fifth, the DC power may optionally be modulated to provide an alarmfunction wherein light from the light tube 20 cyclically flashes on andoff.

The one or more current-limiting circuits 54 receive the pulse-widthmodulated or switched DC power from the PWM circuit 52 and transmit aregulated amount of power to one or more arrays of LEDs 22. Eachcurrent-limiting circuit 54 powers a bank of one or more white LEDs 22.If a bank of LEDs 22 consists of more than one LED, the LEDs areelectrically connected in series in an anode to cathode arrangement. Ifbrightness or intensity variation between the LEDs 22 can be tolerated,the LEDs can be electrically connected in parallel.

The one or more current-limiting circuits 54 may include (1) a resistor,(2) a current-limiting semiconductor circuit, or (3) a switching powersupply type current limiter.

FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of a switching power supply typecurrent limiter 56. The limiter 56 includes an inductor 58, electricallyconnected in series between the PWM circuit 52 and the array of LEDs 22,and a power diode 60, electrically connected between ground 62 and a PWMcircuit/inductor node 64. The diode 60 is designed to begin conductionafter the PWM circuit 52 is switched off. In this case, the value of theinductor 58 is adjusted in conjunction with the PWM duty cycle toprovide the benefits described above. The switching power supply typecurrent limiter 56 provides higher power efficiency than the other typesof current-limiting circuits listed above.

FIG. 7 is an electrical block diagram of a second power supply circuit200 for supplying power to the light tube 20. Similar to the first powersupply circuit 100, the second power supply circuit 200 includes aconventional fluorescent light tube socket 40 having two electricalfemale connectors 42 disposed at opposite ends of the socket 40.Accordingly, a light tube 20 particularly adapted for use with thesecond power supply circuit 200 includes two end caps 26 and 28, eachend cap having the form of an electrical male connector 44 which mateswith a corresponding electrical female connector 42 in the socket 40.

In the second power supply circuit 200, the power source 46 suppliespower directly to the rectifier/filter circuit 50. The rectifier/filtercircuit 50, the PWM circuit 52, and the one or more current-limitingcircuits 54 operate as described above to power the one or more arraysof LEDs 22. The rectifier/filter circuit 50, the PWM circuit 52, and theone or more current-limiting circuits 54 of the second power supplycircuit 200 are preferably packaged inside the end caps 26 and 28 or thebulb portion 24 of the light tube 20 or inside the light tube socket 40.

FIG. 8 is an electrical block diagram of a third power supply circuit300 for supplying power to the light tube 20. Similar to the first andsecond power supply circuits 100 and 200, the third power supply circuit300 includes a conventional fluorescent light tube socket 40 having twoelectrical female connectors 42 disposed at opposite ends of the socket40. Accordingly, a light tube 20 particularly adapted for use with thethird power supply circuit 300 includes two end caps 26 and 28, each endcap having the form of an electrical male connector 44 which mates witha corresponding electrical female connector 42 in the socket 40.

The third power supply circuit 300 includes a DC power source 66, suchas a vehicle battery. In the third power supply circuit 300, the DCpower source 66 supplies DC power directly to the PWM circuit 52. ThePWM circuit 52 and the one or more current-limiting circuits 54 operateas described above to power the one or more arrays of LEDs 22. In thethird power supply circuit 300, the PWM circuit 52 is preferablypackaged in physical location typically occupied by the ballast of aconventional fluorescent lighting system while the one or morecurrent-limiting circuits 54 and LEDs 22 are preferably packaged insidethe light tube 20, in either one of the two end caps 26 or 28 or thebulb portion 24.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, perspective view of another embodiment of thepresent invention showing one end of the light tube 20 disconnected fromone end of the light tube socket 40. In this embodiment of the presentinvention, the light tube socket 40 includes a pair of brackets 68 andthe light tube 20 includes a pair of end caps 26 and 28 which mate withthe brackets 68.

FIG. 10 is an electrical block diagram of a fourth power supply circuit400 for supplying power to the light tube 20. Unlike the first, second,and third power supply circuits 100, 200, and 300 which are poweredthrough direct electrical male and female connectors 44 and 42, thefourth power supply circuit 400 is powered inductively. As such, thefourth power supply circuit 400 includes a light tube socket 40 havingtwo brackets 68 disposed at opposite ends of the socket 40. At least onebracket 68 includes an inductive transmitter 70. Accordingly, a lighttube 20 particularly adapted for use with the fourth power supplycircuit 400 has two end caps 26 and 28 with at least one end capincluding an inductive receiver or antenna 72. When the light tube 20 ismounted in the light tube socket 40, the at least one inductive receiver72 in the light tube 20 is disposed adjacent to the at least oneinductive transmitter 70 in the light tube socket 40.

The fourth power supply circuit 400 includes the power source 46 whichsupplies power to the at least one inductive transmitter 70 in the lighttube socket 40. The at least one transmitter 70 inductively suppliespower to the at least one receiver 72 in one of the end caps 26 and/or28 of the light tube 20. The at least one inductive receiver 72 suppliespower to the rectifier/filter circuit 50. The rectifier/filter circuit50, PWM circuit 52, and the one or more current-limiting circuits 54operate as described above to power the one or more arrays of LEDs 22.In this manner, the light tube 20 is powered without direct electricalconnection.

1. A light device for illumination by a power supply circuit comprising:a bulb portion, a pair of end caps disposed at opposite ends of the bulbportion, the pair of end caps including a first end cap disposed at oneend of the bulb portion, and a second end cap disposed at an end of bulbportion opposite the first end cap, wherein the bulb portion and thepair of end caps are dimensioned to be mounted in a flourescent lighttube socket; and a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed insidethe bulb portion along one surface of a circuit board extending betweenthe first end cap and the second end cap for illuminating in response toelectrical current to be received from the power supply circuit; whereineach of the plurality of light emitting diodes is mounted with respectto surface of the circuit board to establish a radiation pattern oflight emitted from the bulb portion; and wherein the arrangement of thecircuit board and the bulb portion is such that substantially the entirelight output of the light device is emitted away from the one surfaceand is confined to an included angle by sidewalls extending to a heightabove the one surface on opposing sides of the plurality of lightemitting diodes between the first end cap and the second end cap.
 2. Thelight tube of claim 1 wherein each of the pair of end caps includes anelectrical bi-pin connector.
 3. The light device of claim 1 wherein eachof the plurality of light emitting diodes is a white light emittingdiode.
 4. The light device of claim 1, further comprising: a circuitthat modulates a frequency of light emitted from the plurality of lightemitting diodes above a nominal variation of 120 to 100 Hz.
 5. The lightdevice of claim 1, further comprising: a circuit that modulates afrequency of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodesto provide a visible on and off cycle.
 6. The light device of claim 1wherein at least one of the first end cap and the second end capincludes an inductive receiver.
 7. The light device of claim 1 whereinthe plurality of light emitting diodes is arranged substantiallycontinuously between the opposite ends of the bulb portion.
 8. In areplacement light tube for a flourescent light fixture having a lighttube socket, the improvement comprising: a plurality of light emittingdiodes disposed along a length of a bulb portion between a first end capand a second end cap mounted on opposite ends of the bulb portion,wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes is mounted on only oneside of a circuit board in a light emitting direction; an electricalcircuit for illuminating in response to electrical current to bereceived from the flourescent light fixture; and opaque side wallsextending above the one side of the circuit board in the light emittingdirection on opposing sides of the plurality of light emitting diodesbetween the first end cap and the second end cap to confine an entiretyof light emitted from the replacement light tube to an included angle ofless than about 180°.
 9. The improvement of claim 8 wherein each of theplurality of light emitting diodes is a white light emitting diode. 10.The improvement of claim 8, further comprising: a circuit that modulatesa frequency of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodesabove a nominal variation of 120 to 100 Hz.
 11. The improvement of claim8, further comprising: a circuit that modulates a frequency of lightemitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes to provide a visibleon and off cycle.
 12. The improvement of claim 8 wherein at least one ofthe first end cap and the second end cap includes an inductive receiver.13. The improvement of claim 8 wherein the radiation pattern of lightfrom each of the plurality of light emitting diodes is centered at a 90°angle relative to the circuit board.
 14. The improvement of claim 8wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes is arranged substantiallycontinuously along the length of the bulb portion.
 15. The improvementof claim 8 wherein the electrical circuit includes at least a rectifierand a current-limiting circuit.
 16. An LED lighting unit for replacing aconventional fluorescent tube between the opposed electrical receptaclesof a conventional fluorescent lighting fixture comprising: a rigid,substantially cylindrical structure having a first end and a second endopposite said first end, the cylindrical structure including a supportstructure and a bulb portion; a first end cap disposed upon said firstend of said cylindrical structure and a second end cap disposed uponsaid second end of said cylindrical structure; a pair of parallel,fluorescent light fixture receptacle connectors extending from each saidend cap and configured for installing within the opposed electricalreceptacles of the lighting fixture; and a plurality of LEDs disposedalong a surface of said support structure in electrical contact with oneanother and with at least one pair of said pair of connectors extendingfrom said end caps, whereby light is divergently emitted along thelength of said lighting unit in an included angle of less than about180°; wherein the combination of said support structure and said bulbportion is such that substantially the entire light output of saidlighting unit device is emitted away from said surface and is confinedto the included angle by sidewalls extending to a height above saidsurface on opposing sides of said plurality of LEDs between the firstend and the second end.